Polygon called Bolas "one of the most influential people in virtual reality". He was recently a researcher and professor at the University of California and directed the Mixed Reality Lab and Studio. He also has acted as a mentor to the creator of the Oculus Rift and the team behind VR shooter Raw Data, according to Polygon.

Microsoft is working to add mixed-reality platform support to Windows 10 so that OEMs will have the option of using it to power their devices. Microsoft will be sharing more specifics about its efforts in this area in December at its WinHEC conference.

Microsoft is hoping its hardware partners will adapt the Windows Holographic platform so that virtual reality devices will be able to incorporate real-world objects and augmented reality devices will incorporate holograms. Microsoft is pitching Windows Holographic as a way to get different AR/VR/mixed-reality devices to be able to communicate cross-platform as the market matures.